GOODS worth more than £400,000 have been seized in a swoop on rogue traders in a pre-Christmas crime crackdown.

Eight people were questioned in the raid on the old Greymare Lane Market last Wednesday resulting in six arrests including five on suspicion of benefit fraud and two on suspicion of smuggling.

The operation involving police, trading standards, benefit fraud and customs officers resulted in a seizure of cigarettes and tobacco products valued at £418,250 including 5602 cigarettes and 2.3 kilos of hand rolling tobacco. One vehicle was detained pending further investigations.

The arrests took place during an on-going operation targeting markets, street sellers, public houses and off licences seeking illegal goods, tax and benefit fraud and other offences.

Jeremy Lee, head of customs detection in the north west, said: "This operation involves regional law enforcement agencies working together checking traders at popular and busy locations such as markets. Customs officers check that goods for sale are bona fide and that duty and VAT is not being evaded.

"We intend to prosecute for any offences under the appropriate legislation to protect legitimate businesses and society from illegal goods often involving organised criminal networks in the northwest region.I would urge the members of the public to contact our confidential hotline 0800 59 5000 and let us know of any suspicious activities in their area."

Inspector Alex Nicholson, Greater Manchester Police added: "By monitoring illegal traders such as this we are able to disrupt criminal activity associated with markets, while supporting and protecting the local community and honest folk who have genuine reasons for attending. Combining our forces with that of Customs, DWP and other agencies enables us to check more people during the event and share intelligence."

All those arrested have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Ian Guest, Counter Fraud Officer from the Department of Work and Pensions North West Shadow Economy Team said: "We are determined to clamp down on this abuse of the benefits system and will keep coming back until we do so. People who commit benefit fraud are stealing money from every taxpayer in the country."